Shloka 1.67.2

शिवधनुर्दर्शनं—रामेण धनुर्भङ्गश्च (The Showing of Śiva’s Bow and Rama’s Breaking of It)

Devanagari script

ततस्स राजा जनक: सामन्तान्व्यादिदेश ह।धनुरानीयतां दिव्यं गन्धमाल्यविभूषितम्।।।।

Transliteration

tatas sa rājā janakaḥ sāmantān vyādideśa ha | dhanur ānīyatāṃ divyaṃ gandha-mālya-vibhūṣitam ||

Translation

Then King Janaka ordered his feudatory lords: “Bring the divine bow, adorned with fragrant sandal and garlands.”

Context

Thereafter king Janaka said to his feudatories, "Let the divine bow adorned with flowers and sandalpaste be brought".

Characters & Entities

• Janaka
• Sāmantas (feudatories)
• Śiva-dhanus (divine bow)
• garlands (mālya)
• sandal/fragrance (gandha)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma as kingly duty and ritual propriety: Janaka conducts the public trial in an orderly, respectful manner, treating sacred objects with honor.

What is the narrative situation?

Janaka initiates the svayaṃvara-condition trial by commanding that the revered bow be brought into the assembly.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Janaka’s responsible governance—maintaining decorum, procedure, and reverence in a major public rite.